It was one of the measures she announced following a special parliamentary caucus of the Government at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s.
She had spoken about the commission before, noting that it was proposed a long time ago when she was a member of the Panday UNC government but it was never passed.
Persad-Bissessar said a permanent commission is necessary because the Integrity Commission (IC) only deals with “some of the areas of white-collar crime.” She added that the commission lacks the "kind of force and jurisdiction to do what is required when it comes to the fight against white-collar crime especially (against persons) in public office.”
The Prime Minister said the new legislation will contain clauses that create the new offence of “unjust enrichment” and provide whistle-blower protection for persons who expose corruption.
She said the House of Representatives will sit on January 12, to debate a motion to send Anti-Corruption Commission legislation to a parliamentary joint select committee (JSC).
“This is so important that we should not sit in a closed room and make a decision about it. I think the best procedure would be to take it to the Parliament and have the elected representatives and those appointed, have an input by way of a JSC,” she said.
Persad-Bissessar also said the National Security Council, which she chairs, will meet early next week to discuss crime-fighting strategies to will be introduced in 2011. She said her government will not let up in the fight against crime adding, "There is tremendous room for improvement.”
With respect to other legal issues, the Prime Minister she will meet with Chief Justice Ivor Archie to discuss ways to expedite trials. In addition, she said the government is continuing to explore ways to implement the death penalty.
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